Crossing the border as a FAST member

Free and Secure Trade

You can only cross the border as a FAST member if everyone in the vehicle has a valid FAST commercial driver card and you are transporting eligible goods for a FAST-approved carrier and importer.

The following procedures apply:

• When you enter Canada or the United States using a dedicated FAST lane, stop and hold your FAST commercial driver card(s) in front of the card reader (where available) and then stop at the inspection booth to complete the inspection process.
• For border locations without a dedicated FAST lane, present your FAST commercial driver card(s) to the border services officer in the booth each time you cross the border.

Travel documents

Under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative regulations, your FAST membership card will be accepted in lieu of a passport when entering the United States by land only. In all other instances,your FAST membership card is not considered a travel document that authorizes your admission to Canada or the United States.

While your FAST membership is valid for five years, it is important to remember that yourimmigration status must also be valid at all times. You must possess appropriate immigration and identity documents in addition to your FAST commercial driver card. These may include your passport, permanent resident card, birth certificate, work permit/visa and other related documents.

Declaring goods

As a FAST Commercial Driver Program participant, you must declare all personal and commercial goods you are importing whenever you cross the border into Canada and the United States.

• Canadians returning to Canada
• U.S. residents entering Canada
• Canadians entering the United States

Canadians returning to Canada

If you are returning to Canada and importing goods for your personal use that do not exceed your personal exemption, you must make a oral declaration to the border services officer in the booth.

For more information:

• I Declare

Canadian residents can obtain traveller declaration cards (TDCs) that can be presented any time they cross the border into Canada using the FAST lane. TDCs must be completed before arriving in the lane.

When you arrive, hand your TDC to the border services officer in the booth. If you exceed your personal exemption, the duties and tax owing will be charged to your credit card.

U.S. residents entering Canada

If you are entering Canada and importing goods for your personal use that do not exceed your personal entitlement, you must make a oral declaration to the border services officer in the booth.

For more information:

• Information for Visitors to Canada and Seasonal Residents
• Know Before You Go

If you are entering Canada and have goods to declare in excess of your personal exemption, you must use the regular lane.

Canadians entering the United States

If you are entering the United States and importing goods for your personal use, you must make an oral declaration to the officer in the booth.

For more information:

• Visiting the United States

If you are entering the United States and have goods to declare in excess of your personal exemption, you must use the regular lane.